NCJ Number
110215
Date Published
1987
Length
373 pages
Annotation
This manual is intended to provide attorneys and victim service providers with a comprehensive information about the many legal issues that arise as a result of criminal victimization.
Abstract
An overview explains the reasons that victims need greater attention from the legal profession, outlines victims' rights legislation and victim service providers, and discusses the psychological effects of victimization. Guidelines on organizing a victim's group cover organizational structures, financial accounting, and related issues. A discussion of victim service providers as advocates summarizes the liability issues related to (1) volunteers and (2) confidential and discovery of communications between the advocate and the victim. Civil litigation is examined in terms of suits by victims against perpetrators, third-party cases, sovereign immunity, and the use of public prosecutors to represent victims in civil actions. Further sections explain the legal issues related to victim compensation and restitution, witness fees, tax consequences, attorneys as victim advocates, private prosecutions, the representation of the child victim, and the handling of cases of domestic violence. Case citations, tables, lists of organizations, and appended forms, sample program materials, and background information.